Booking a Disney World vacation has never been a budget-friendly experience, but planning for 2026 brings a new wave of sticker shock. Prices continue to climb, and staying on the property now feels less like a splurge and more like a full luxury commitment.
The challenging part isn’t just the rising cost—it’s that several longtime resort perks have faded quietly behind the scenes. Disney didn’t make big announcements about these changes; the perks simply disappeared as new policies took effect.
Before exploring what is no longer included with your stay, it’s helpful to remember why vacationers fell in love with Disney resorts in the first place.
Why Staying Onsite Still Matters
People choose Disney resorts for more than a hotel room. These properties blend convenience, theming, and a sense of immersion that offsite options rarely match. You step into your resort and instantly feel connected to the parks through transportation options like the Skyliner, monorails, boats, and buses. That seamless access takes much of the stress out of a Disney day.
For years, those little touches—early arrival perks, free MagicBands, package delivery, and other thoughtful extras—added real value, making the cost easier to justify. Even as pricing crept up, the perks helped balance the equation.
Perks That Used to Define a Disney Stay
As travelers plan their 2026 vacations, they should be aware that several familiar add-ons are no longer part of the experience. Many of these perks vanished so slowly that returning guests may not realize the landscape has changed. Disney adjusted numerous offerings after the pandemic, reshaping what “onsite benefits” really mean today.
One of the most notable examples of this shift involves MagicBands.
MagicBands Lose Their Longtime Benefits
Receiving a complimentary MagicBand once felt like a rite of passage for any Disney hotel guest. Not only did those colorful bands arrive before your trip, but you could personalize them, upgrade them, and purchase premium designs at a discount.
That era is over. Disney had already discontinued free MagicBands, but the most recent change happened in early October 2025, when the company also stopped offering pre-arrival discounts on MagicBand+ for hotel guests and Annual Passholders. This left many fans stunned, because it removed one of the last remaining hotel-specific perks tied to MagicBands. Today, guests still get the convenience of using the device—but only at full retail price.
Disney+ Still Isn’t Part of Your Room Stay
Another shift travelers often overlook is what’s available on the in-room TVs. Disney+ isn’t included with your stay, and it never has been, yet the rising cost of a Disney vacation makes that gap feel more noticeable.
Depending on your resort, you may or may not have the ability to log into your own Disney+ account through the TV. Some installations require guests to bring their own device to stream or screencast. Without a subscription of your own, expect a limited rotation of classic Disney programming during downtime.
Delivery Services Look Different Now
Disney also phased out delivery perks that many guests relied on. Merchandise delivery from the parks to your room has ended. Delivery to your resort gift shop has also ended. Anything you purchase must be carried with you. You can also ship items home at your own expense. Bell Services can still accept outside packages for pickup. The convenience of park-to-resort delivery is no longer available.
Traditional in-room dining has also changed. Only a few Deluxe resorts still offer limited room service. Most Disney hotels no longer provide direct food delivery. Guests must pick up mobile food orders themselves.
Where Disney Goes From Here
Whether these perks return remains to be seen, but it doesn’t appear likely for 2026. Disney seems to be focused on streamlining operations rather than reinstating small complimentary amenities. Still, these perks once added charm and ease to the resort experience, helping families feel pampered during their stay.
The Bottom Line
The Disney resort experience is still magical—but different. Guests booking their 2026 trips should be aware of the changes so they can plan realistically, avoid surprises, and still enjoy the enchantment that comes with staying within the Disney bubble.
I hope they choke on all their profits.